Visit to Prince Edward Island - Day 1

Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston attended celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the Conference of Charlottetown from June 15 to 18, 2014. His Excellency delivered a speech on this occasion: "The 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference is truly an important milestone for Canadians. It’s wonderful to think that the Fathers of Confederation made the historic breakthrough that paved the way for Canada right here at Province House, a century and a half ago!"

During his visit to Province House, His Excellency also signed the City of Charlottetown’s guest book.

On September 1, 1864, the meeting that led to Canadian Confederation convened at Province House in Charlottetown. Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island had originally set the date to discuss the possibility of Maritime Union. When the Province of Canada (what is present-day Ontario and Quebec) asked to attend the meeting, the topic of Maritime Union became secondary to the grand matter of forming a nation.

Their Excellencies, joined by His Honour the Honourable Frank Lewis, Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island, and the Honourable Robert Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island, as well as His Worship Clifford Lee, Mayor of Charlottetown, attended the official ceremony for Family Day in the Park. "It was here, in this city, that Canada took its first steps towards nationhood. And so we can say that PEI is the Father of Canada. And it is here that I see Canadians enjoying the fruits of the labours that created Canada, 150 years later," said His Excellency.

Following his public address, the Governor General planted of a ceremonial tree to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Conference of Charlottetown.

Their Excellencies walked on the Trans Canada Trail (TCT) starting at the intersection of Route 319 (Robertson Road) in the Municipality of Brudenell to Montague Marina Train Station. They were joined by the Honourable Allen Roach, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning and Member of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island for Montague-Kilmuir; His Worship Richard Collins, Mayor of Montague; and TCT volunteers and community members.

The TCT is a non-profit, registered charity. It promotes and assists in the development and use of the Trail in every province and territory, and provides funding to local trail builders to support the development of trails. Today, more than 16 800 kilometres of trail have been developed. When completed, the Trail will stretch 23 000 kilometres, from the Atlantic to the Pacific and to the Arctic oceans, linking 1 000 communities and all Canadians.

As patron of the TCT, the Governor General planted a red oak in honour of his visit to Montague. He was joined by the Honourable Allen Roach, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning and Member of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island for Montague-Kilmuir.